How to Become a Elevator Installer & Repairer — Salary, Training & Licensing
Join the elite of the construction trades — elevator constructors are among the highest-paid tradespeople in America, installing and maintaining the systems that move millions of people daily.
95% High Demand
$55K–$110K
Salary Range
Very High
Demand
+6%
Job Growth
℞ Prescribed by data · BLS · WEF · McKinsey
Elevator Installer & Repairer Apprenticeship & Training in Oregon
Licensing & Requirements
Oregon requires elevator mechanic licensing through the Oregon Building Codes Division. Must pass state exam and maintain license. ASME A17.1 compliance required. IUEC union membership for most work.
Training Programs
IUEC Local 19 (Portland) apprenticeship through NEIEP, manufacturer training, on-the-job training with elevator companies, Oregon licensing exam prep.
Study basic mechanics: hydraulics, pulleys, cables, brakes, gears
Get comfortable with heights and confined spaces
Practice blueprint reading and schematic interpretation
Research the IUEC (International Union of Elevator Constructors) apprenticeship process
2
Apply to the IUEC ApprenticeshipAges 18–19
Apply to IUEC Local union apprenticeship (extremely competitive — apply early)
Pass the aptitude test: math, mechanical reasoning, reading comprehension
Complete the interview process — emphasize mechanical/electrical aptitude and work ethic
If accepted, begin a 4-year paid apprenticeship ($22–$28/hour starting)
Apprenticeships include classroom instruction at the NEIEP (National Elevator Industry Educational Program)
Non-union path: some companies offer helper/mechanic's helper positions, but union is strongly preferred
3
Complete Apprenticeship TrainingAges 19–22
Rotate through all aspects: installation, maintenance, repair, modernization
Learn elevator types: traction (geared/gearless), hydraulic, MRL (machine-room-less)
Study controllers: relay logic, microprocessor-based, destination dispatch
Master safety systems: governors, safeties, buffers, door interlocks, fire service
Learn escalator and moving walkway mechanics
Complete NEIEP coursework: electrical theory, hydraulics, elevator code (ASME A17.1)
4
Advance Through Your ApprenticeshipAges 22–23
Wages increase annually throughout the 4-year apprenticeship
Master troubleshooting: diagnosing electrical, mechanical, and software faults
Learn modernization: upgrading older elevators with new controllers, doors, and safety systems
Study ASME A17.1 Safety Code and local elevator codes thoroughly
Practice rigging: setting machines, hanging rails, running cables in shafts
Work on diverse projects: high-rise, low-rise, freight, residential, hospital
5
Earn Journeyman StatusAges 23–24
Complete 4-year apprenticeship and earn Journeyman Elevator Constructor status
Pass any required state/city elevator mechanic licensing exams
Journeyman elevator constructors earn $40–$60/hour ($83K–$125K annually) plus benefits
Total compensation with benefits, pension, annuity often exceeds $150K
Choose your focus: new construction installation, maintenance/service, or modernization
Some jurisdictions require separate licensing — study and pass local exams
6
Advance to Mechanic-in-Charge or AdjusterAges 24+
Become a Mechanic-in-Charge (MIC) leading installation or modernization crews
Advance to Adjuster — the most skilled and highest-paid elevator position
Adjusters fine-tune and commission new elevators — elite troubleshooting role
Consider transitioning to elevator inspection (government role with excellent benefits)
Some experienced mechanics start consulting or elevator inspection companies
Top adjusters and inspectors earn $130K–$180K+ with full union benefits and pension
Elevator Companies & Union
Otis Elevator Company
Largest elevator company in the world — structured training, global projects, and career advancement from helper to adjuster.
KONE
Major global elevator/escalator manufacturer with strong US presence — known for excellent training programs and modern technology.
Schindler Elevator
Global elevator company with comprehensive apprenticeship programs — strong in both installation and maintenance/service.
thyssenkrupp Elevator (now TK Elevator)
Major manufacturer with installation and service positions — modernization expertise and innovative technology (MULTI system).
IUEC (International Union of Elevator Constructors)
The union representing elevator constructors — apprenticeship program, excellent wages ($40–$60/hr journeyman), pension, and benefits.
The elevator industry is one of the last truly closed trades — virtually all work is done through the IUEC union. Getting into the apprenticeship is competitive, but once you're in, you're in one of the highest-paying and most secure trades in America.
Journeyman Elevator Constructor$85K–$130KYears 5–10
Adjuster / Inspector / MIC$120K–$180K+Years 10+
vs. College
While a classmate spends $120K on a mechanical engineering degree and starts at $65K, you enter a paid apprenticeship at 18, earn $46K–$82K during training, and make $85K–$130K as a journeyman by your early 20s — with zero debt. Top elevator adjusters and inspectors earn $130K–$180K+ with a full pension, making this one of the most lucrative career paths available without a college degree.
The Real Talk
The Good
Among the highest-paid trades in America — journeyman wages of $40–$60/hour
Exceptional benefits: union pension, annuity, health insurance, paid vacation
Outstanding job security — elevators must be maintained by law
Fascinating, complex work combining mechanical, electrical, and computer systems
Every building with an elevator needs your skills — unlimited demand
Strong union protection with clear advancement and excellent working conditions
The Hard Parts
Extremely competitive apprenticeship — acceptance rates are low
Confined space work in elevator shafts and machine rooms
Heights and physical demands — working at the top of shafts in tall buildings
On-call emergency service is common — elevators don't break on schedule
Long apprenticeship (4 years) before reaching full journeyman wages
Is It Worth It?
Elevator construction is the crown jewel of the trades. Journeyman elevator constructors earn $85K–$130K with total compensation (benefits, pension, annuity) often exceeding $150K — making it one of the highest-paid careers available without a college degree. The work is complex, challenging, and endlessly interesting, combining heavy mechanical work with sophisticated electronic controls and computer systems. Job security is absolute — every elevator in America must be maintained and inspected by law. The catch is getting in: IUEC apprenticeships are highly competitive, and the 4-year training period is demanding. But if you have strong mechanical and electrical aptitude, a solid work ethic, and the determination to get accepted, elevator construction offers a career that most college graduates can only dream of matching.
A Career Is Just One Part of Your Story
The best careers don't just pay well — they give you freedom, purpose, and time for the people and things you love. Choose a path that makes your whole life better, not just your resume.